Article

World's first methanol-powered pilot boat launched


published on 14 December 2021 180 -

Text and photo by Sjöfartsverket

The Swedish Maritime Administration is launching the world's first fully methanol-powered pilot boat today. It is one of the ministry's existing pilot boats, which has now been converted to test the new propellant. The work is part of the Swedish Maritime Administration's transition to a fossil-free fleet.

The pilot boat will be the first of its kind in the world. "Generally speaking, we in Sweden are far ahead when it comes to maritime research and innovation. It is therefore no coincidence that this particular project is now being carried out here in Sweden," says Fredrik Backman, Director of Shipping at the Swedish Maritime Administration.

The work to convert one of the Swedish Maritime Administration's pilot boats from diesel to methanol is part of a larger EU initiative, and will last until 2024. While there are other projects involving various forms of methanol-powered vessels, the Swedish Maritime Administration's pilot boat is the first of its kind in the world. The boat will now be part of the Agency's regular pilotage operations to evaluate the technology, but also to ensure both its capacity and capability.

"Our redesigned pilot boat is an important piece of the puzzle in our larger and broader transition towards a completely fossil-free fleet of boats and ships. The pilot boat will now be put through its paces, with many hours of rigorous and thorough testing. Tests that will then be evaluated and analysed", says Fredrik Backman.

The Swedish Maritime Administration has already been commissioned by the government to analyse and come up with proposals on how the Agency's fleet of boats and ships can become fossil-free. The assignment is based on the government's national climate targets, which include a reduction of at least 70% in carbon dioxide emissions from domestic transport by 2030.

Follow the launch of the methanol-powered pilot boat live in the video player below or click here.

 

What's your opinion on this?
Login or register to write comments and join the discussion!
Read more...

Video Methanol Fueled Pilot Boat from Sweden

published on 7 July 2022

FASTWATER Consortium and the Swedish Maritime Administration (SMA) successfully demonstrated a pilot boat that has been converted to operate on Methanol fuel. The demonstration in Stockholm Harbour follows the successful bunkering of the vessel at the SMA pilot station in Oxelösund, Sweden, where the pilot boat will be based.

1

Article Maersk and Svitzer to Develop Fuel Cell Tug Powered by Green Methanol

published on 11 November 2021

Svitzer, A.P. Moller - Maersk’s world leading towage operator, today unveiled plans to introduce the world’s first fuel cell tug boat for harbour towage operations.

0

Article Pilot Boat Review "Colne Leader" by BairdMaritime.com

by Baird Maritime - published on 10 May 2023

The Brightlingsea Harbour Commission of Essex, UK, recently took delivery of a new pilot boat built by Seaward Boat Development Company based on the Isle of Wight.

0

Article Baltic Workboats' PILOT 15 WP has won a Small Pilot Boat Award for 2019

by Marine-Pilots.com - published on 29 January 2020

Baltic Workboats have won under the category of "Best Small Pilot Boat" the Best builder of a Small Pilot Boat Award for 2019 for their model PILOT 15 WP.

0

Video Delaware River Pilot Boat Transfers

published on 19 September 2023

Delaware River Pilot Boat Transfers Pilot to Moving Ship - Delaware River - Philadelphia - August 23, 2023

0

Video Pilot boat Velsen-Noord

published on 19 May 2023

Pilot boat at Velsen-Noord crew prepares to join cruise ship Norwegian Prima.

0

Article Suez Canal chief hints ‘mistake’ by captain could be linked to Ever Given incident

published on 14 April 2021

The chairman of the Suez Canal Authority has suggested a possible mistake by the captain of the Ever Given could have led to the grounding of the giant container ship in the waterway last month.

1

Video Oversized Kasko through Kiel Canal by NAUTITEC / KOTUG / BIJMA

published on 29 July 2020

Going Beyond Borders. The first oversized Kasko (120m x 40m) passed the Holtenau locks at Kiel on her way from the Neptun shipyard in Rostock to Meyer shipyard in Papenburg.
The planning and simulation study on this towage has been performed by NAUTITEC and KOTUG, with the great assistance of pilots and Kiel canal authorities on behalf of Meyer shipyard.
Produced by AVE-Solutions in order of Nautitec, Kotug and Bijma Sleepdiensten.

0